Senior Americans are reporting an astounding number of cases of identity theft. The fastest growing generation in the United States is also one of the most vulnerable. “Seniors are a target for fraud for a number of reasons,” explains Beverly Gherity, a founder of the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Senior Outreach Program. “They come from a very trusting generation; their credit scores are high and they do not check their credit reports often; and they carry cash. We receive thousands of phone calls from the elderly and their families regarding the legitimacy of offers pouring in by mail, phone and e-mail. Because of these problems, the BBB has developed a Senior Outreach Program that educates seniors and their families on how to avoid becoming victims of fraud.”

Gherity will be on hand at the upcoming Seniors Spring Show (www.101expos.com) to be held to be held April 2-3, 2008 at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel to give seniors tips on how to fight back against fraud, and how to use the BBB’s services. “The BBB handles complaints, provides mediation and arbitration, reviews advertising to make sure it is not misleading, and works with businesses to improve their customer service. We also provide printed information for seniors to take home with them.”

Gherity says that the BBB receives hundreds of calls weekly regarding sweepstakes and lotteries, which are big problems for seniors. “They receive a $2,000 check and a letter notifying them that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery. The check is a “goodwill” payment toward the $100,000 they have won. They are instructed to deposit the $2000 into their bank account and then wire by Western Union $300 to cover the cost of getting the rest of the $100,000 into their bank account. The recipient feels they have nothing to lose and deposits the $2,000 check. They also wire the $300. Of course, no money arrives in their checking account and the $2,000 check bounces because it is a fake. The scammer, however, has $300 and possibly the victim’s bank account information.”

She offers the following tips for seniors to avoid scammers and fraud:

• Get caller ID and do not answer the phone if you do not know who is calling. Do not answer the door if you do not recognize the person.
• Do not feel guilty for telling a telemarketer or sales person “I need to think this over” or “I would like to consult with my family before making a decision.” This is perfectly acceptable.
• Do not hire door-to-door itinerant workers unless you have checked them out thoroughly. Call the BBB to obtain a report. Check to make sure they are licensed. Never pay the entire bill up-front.
• Do not carry personal account information or your Social Security number in your wallet.
• Do not agree to give money to a charity unless you have researched the organization. Go to www.give.org or look up a local charity at www.smartgivers.org to get more information.
• Register your phone with the National Do-Not-Call registry at 1-888-382-1222.
• Do not give any personal information over the phone or by email.
• Review your bank statements and credit report regularly.
• Have your Social Security or pension benefit checks direct deposited to reduce the possibility of identity theft.
• Never pay money to win a prize or sweepstakes.

INow in its 4th year, the Seniors Spring Show has helped thousands of Minnesota seniors find the products and services they need to lead healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. The event is also a tremendous amount of fun with back-to-back entertainment, free seminars, and shopping at lots of exhibitor booths.

To watch a video of last year’s show and for half price tickets (regularly $6) visit www.101expos.com. Or call the expo hotline at 612-798-7256. Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

The Seniors Spring Show is sponsored by Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 5 Eyewitness News, Channel 45 KSTC-TV, Good Age, Casino Magazine for Seniors, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Best of Times, Stressfree Living, KLBB and KOOL 108.

Media Note: For additional information or to schedule an interview with Beverly Gherity, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.